Evan massaged his forehead. He wanted to get upset, but he’d rather not jump to conclusions. He hated seeing Mick with another man, but he had no context for the images.
He spotted Mick’s car coming down the lane. He wandered over to where Mick tended to park and waited. He’d never get answers if he didn’t ask questions.
“Hi.” He didn’t try to embrace Mick. His emotions were too raw, even if he should be holding the man he loved. He’d given Mick his heart and Mick hadn’t seemed thrilled. Was he too invested in Mick, while Mick wasn’t invested in him?
“Hi.” Mick rounded the car. “Were you in the barn?”
“I’ve hauled manure today, just like yesterday.” He hooked his fingers in his front pockets. “How’s things been for you?”
“It’s been interesting.”
Evan glanced over at the side of Mick’s car. “What happened?” He smoothed his hand over the dent. “Are you okay? Were you in an accident?”
“No, I was parked.”
“What happened?” He might be irritated, but he wanted to know what was wrong.
“Linc.”
“Linc?” The blond man? Jesus.
“My ex-boyfriend.”
“Blond or brunet?” He hated the interrogation feel of his questions.
“Blond?” Mick frowned. “Why?”
“He must be one of the guys from the pictures.” Evan nodded. “You can get this sucked out. Use a plunger and some strength. The paint will need buffed and may need filled in spots, but it’s an easy fix.”
“Evan.” Mick stepped between Evan and the car. “What are you talking about? What photos?”
“I had pictures texted to me.” He kept his emotions in check, despite his heart aching.
Mick rolled his eyes. “I should’ve known.”
“Known what?” That he’d be caught? That someone saw him?
“I’d be followed.”
“I’m sorry. The publicity is dying down.” Evan gestured to the farm. “I’m not the media darling any longer. They moved on to the next big thing.”
“Not publicity on account of you.”
Evan winced. “Okay.” If Mick didn’t want to tell him why he was with another man, then that was on Mick. He could be upset, but what would that do? He tamped down his frustration.
“My ex never did or said anything from the good of his heart. He must’ve sent those texts to you, I’m sure,” Mick said. “I don’t know how he got your number, but I don’t put it past him to dig for your digits.”
“I doubt the boyfriend sent them. He’s in the pictures.” Evan shifted his weight from his right to his left foot.
“Then Linc orchestrated the incident. He’s slime.”
“Why would he do that?” Evan asked. He needed to know.
“To hurt me. To hurt you…to destroy us.” Mick sighed. “He hates to lose and he’s lost big time.”
He didn’t understand. “He left you. Why would he cause this trouble now? It’s kind of shitty. You know?” Trying to hold his anger in check wasn’t working.
“I left him.” Mick held up both hands. “Wait. What are we doing?”
“Fighting,” Evan said. “Look, I can see there’s something between you and Linc. Do you love him? Still?”
“I love someone, but it’s not Linc.”
Evan nodded. He hated what Mick was about to say, but he respected Mick’s honesty. He should’ve seen this coming—being dumped. At least he’d have plenty of material for new music.
“Why are you upset?” Mick asked. “I heard about you and Remy.”
“Huh? It was an interview. He asked questions and I answered.” He hated fighting. “So? He invited you and me to dinner with him and Bobby. Big deal. I thought a double date might be fun.”
Mick leaned against his car and blew out a ragged breath. “A double date…I should’ve known.”
“What? I told you I don’t cheat. If I’m with someone, that’s the only person.” He’d thought he was with Mick. Maybe not? “Why? You thought I’d cheated on you so you went and found two guys?”
“Two?” Mick paled.
“One blond—Linc, it sounds like—and a brunet guy.” Evan shoved his phone into Mick’s hands. “This is killing me. I love you and I need you. I don’t want to push you away, but you don’t seem to want me.”
“Evan.”
“Come on.” He ached to his core. He wished he hadn’t followed his heart. If so, he wouldn’t be so raw. “We weren’t even having problems, but you ran to someone else.”
Mick said nothing and his silence hurt more than an apology.
“The worst part is that I still love you. My heart is in your hands.” Tears burned at the corners of his eyes. “I don’t want to lose you, but I won’t hold you back if I’m not enough for you.”
“Evan.” Mick wiped the tears from Evan’s cheeks. “I didn’t come here to fight with you or break up. I came here because I know my heart and I’ve made a choice.”
Evan’s voice choked and he nodded. Good. He didn’t want to say something he’d regret.
“I talked to Farin Baker, the brunet. Don’t you remember him? We were all in school together.” Mick shook his head. “I—like you—have known Farin for years. He’s now married and was good for a reality check. He straightened me out. As for my ex, he didn’t want to be left out. He probably wanted to get with me so he could eventually get with you.”
“Do you love him?” He wasn’t sure he wanted the answer.
“No.” Mick grasped Evan’s hands. “I love you.”
“Mick?” He had to be dreaming. Did Mick really love him?
“I don’t want to fight. We’re better than this,” Mick said. “I don’t want anyone else, either. Martha was right—you and me should be together. I love you. You make me crazy, happy and a hot mess. I look forward to when I see you again and miss you when you’re gone. I’ve never felt like this before.” He squeezed Mick’s fingers. “Farin made me see what I already knew and Linc proved where I belong—with you.”
Evan heard what Mick had said, believed him, but questions still lingered. “What about your job? What about
